Namibia, as a safari hunting destination is becoming ever more popular amongst International big game hunters. Namibia is famously referenced as the “Land that God made in Anger.” which comes from the local bushmen, ancient San people, of Namibia, there is also a book by John Gorden Davis of the same name.
Namibia has the most fascinating cultures, astounding landscape and unique wildlife, unlike anywhere else in Africa. Namibia has successful community-based conservation programs, and both innovative and practical solutions to wildlife conservation.
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Is Namibia good for hunting?
Namibia is a premier game hunting destination and is known to on a regular basis produce world class trophy animals.
What are the big 5 hunting in Namibia?
The big 5 hunting in Namibia is the African elephant, Rhino (White and Black), Cape Buffalo, Lion and a Leopard.
Why is Namibia a top choice when booking a game hunting safari?
- Namibia is one of the safest African countries.
- Game Hunting Safaris in Namibia are affordable and value “for your buck.”
- The climate in Namibia is relatively stable.
- Namibia practices ethical and “fair chase” hunting safaris.
- Namibia is the second least populated areas in the world.
- Namibia promotes family hunting safaris.
- Namibia is the only African country where all members of the big five can be hunted.
- Trophy hunting in Namibia is well regulated by NAPHA (Namibian Professional Hunting Association.
- Namibia is easily accessible with international airports, and Namibia has a good network for domestic air travel, making the hunting grounds accessible.
- Namibia is a politically stable country and understands the importance of tourism and proceeds received from the international hunting communities.
- Namibia is home to a variety of animal species that are endemic to Namibia.
- Namibia has a wide variety of tourist attractions, from the famous Skeleton Coast through to the Etosha Game Reserve.
Read more about hunting in Namibia
What time of year is best for a Namibia Trophy Hunting Trip?
The Namibia trophy hunting season starts on the 1st of February and ends on the 30th of November. Due to the climate, it would be recommended that a game hunting safari be booked in the cooler months, which would run for the season April through to middle August.
Summer temperatures are extreme which increases risks associated with hunting such as heat stroke and dehydration.
Namibia, and the dangerous 7 in Africa
Big game hunting in Namibia does not only include the big 5, but Namibia also has the all the members of the dangerous 7 in Africa available. The Nile Crocodile and my personal favorite, the Hippo.
Crocodile hunting takes place in the Zambezi region of Namibia (formally known as the Caprivi Strip) which is known to produce huge crocodiles. Crocodile hunting is done on foot using the spot and stalk method, glassing for these large reptiles from a distance. Crocodile hunting in Namibia is also done from handmade Makoro boats which are deployed in the wetter season.
How much is the trophy fee when crocodile hunting in Namibia?
A Crocodile trophy fee in Namibia will average in cost between US $3000 and US $5000
Hippo hunts also take place in Zambezi regions as the Hippo and Crocodile share the same habitat. Hippo hunts are actioned packed and make for a dream safari. Being the third largest land mammal and extremely aggressive when threatened, this tank of an animal is a worthy opponent. When planning hippo hunts, know that shot placement is of critical importance. Failure to execute the “perfect shot” will see your trophy Hippo disappearing into the muddy swamp waters.
For more about hippo shot placement…
How much is the trophy fee when Hippo Hunting in Namibia?
A Hippo trophy fee will cost the hunter between US $ 4000 and US $6500. Non-exportable hippo hunts are available, reducing the costs of the hunting safari substantially.
Namibian Specialty Animals
Namibia offers a wide variety of night time critters and African cats, including Honey Badgers, Caracal, Servals and Porcupine.
Cheetah hunting in Namibia, one of the favorite African cats. Legally, Cheetah can only be hunted in Namibia. No other African country has the world’s fastest animal available to legally hunt. Cheetah are normally hunted while on a plains game hunting safari as these are opportunistic hunts.
Shots when hunting Cheetah are normally quite far. The distance could be anything from 200 yards to 400 yards.
How much is the trophy fee when Cheetah hunting in Namibia?
A Cheetah trophy fee will cost the hunter between US $ 4000 and US $6000, which will exclude the cost of dip and pack, as well as shipping.
Hyena Hunting, an all-time Favorite
Namibia, seeming to break all records is the only African country offering all four species of Hyena. That is correct, four.
Many are not aware of the fact that the Aardwolf is in fact the fourth member of the Hyena family, the others of course being the Brown, Spotted (Laughing) and Striped Hyena.
How much are Hyena trophy fees in Namibia?
Trophy fees vary from species to species. Below is the average cost.
Spotted Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta): US $ 2500 to US $4000
Brown Hyena (Hyaena brunnea: US $ 900 to US $ 3500
Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena: US $2200 to US $4500
Aardwolf (Proteles cristata) US $800 to US $1000
Namibia Trophy hunting, all Hyena possibilities under “one roof,” what and absolutely pleasure. Namibia could introduce the Hyena hunting grand slam, just like with Springbuck hunting in South Africa.
What wild game is in Namibia?
Namibia has an abundance of plains game antelope available to hunters, from members of the tiny ten to large antelope, plus species endemic to Namibia.
A few of the favorite antelope for plains game hunting are Kudu, Eland, Springbuck, Oryx (Gemsbuck), Steenbuck, Blue and Black Wildebeest, Impala, Klipspringer, Blesbok and of course one of our favorite pigs, Warthog.
Plains Game Species endemic to Namibia
Like with Cheetah hunting in Namibia, always speak with your hunting broker when planning the hunting safari to check what animals can only be hunted in a specific country. It would be disappointing to miss an opportunity while already in the country.
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1) Damara Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii)
The Damara Dik-Dik is a petite, dwarf antelope with large and expressive eyes, a compact body stature and one of the tiny ten antelope members. These antelope are small, shy and extremely cautious preferring the cover provided by dense thickets and shrubs.
These antelope are nocturnal herbivores, water independent and forage for food mainly at night. Hunters will need to showcase not only their expert marksmanship skills but will need to understand the art of silent pursuit in order to successfully harvest this antelope.
How much is the trophy fee when Damara Dik-Dik hunting in Namibia?
The trophy fee when hunting Damara Dik-Dik will cost between US $1800 and US $ 2500
2) Black-Faced Impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi)
These Impala are distinguished by their black faces as the name implies. They are known for their agility and very keen senses. They are both browsers and grazers and like to occupy territories near water sources.
A hunt for a Black-Face Impala will demand strategic tracking and precision shot placement.
How much is the trophy fee when Black Face impala hunting in Namibia?
The trophy fee when hunting Black-Faced Impala will cost between US $3000 and US $4000
3) Hartmann’s Zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae)
The Hartmann’s Zebra strives on the rocky slopes and plateaus of arid-desert regions of Namibia and is in fact larger than the Cape Zebra.
These Zebra have exceptionally good eyesight and will flee at the slightest hint of any perceived danger. Hartmann’s Zebra are a worthy opponent for any game hunter.
How much is the trophy fee when hunting Hartmann’s Zebra in Namibia?
The trophy fee for Hartmann’s Zebra average between US $800 and US $1200
When we talk about Namibia Trophy hunting, of course reference has to be made to the big five dangerous game animals.
Elephant Hunting in Namibia
Hunting an African Elephant in Namibia is one of Africa’s oldest hunting traditions, with a Bull Elephant with tusks weighing in at over 100 pounds considered as the ultimate African big game trophy.
Elephant hunting in Namibia is done on foot, with daily monitoring of spoor and following fresh trails. When Elephant hunting, the danger exponentially increases as a result of unprovoked charges.
Elephant hunting territories in areas such as Bushmanland still regularly procedures trophies of over sixty pounds compared to territories such as the Zambezi Region producing trophies of an average size of forty pounds. The Zambezi, while also being African, or known as Kalahari elephant are in fact smaller in size due to reduced calcium levels in the soil.
How much is the trophy fee when Elephant hunting in Namibia?
Elephant hunting safaris are split into various categories, namely exportable, non-exportable and tuskless Elephants.
Trophy fees for Elephant will range as follows:
- Exportable Elephant Trophy Fee: US $ 20000 to US $ 35000
- Non-Exportable Elephant Trophy Fee: US $17500 to US $22500
- Tuskless Elephant Trophy Fee: US $ 7000 to US $10000
In the unlikely event that the big game hunting safaris fails to produce a trophy Elephant, the trophy fee paid will be reimbursed to the hunter.
Buffalo Hunting in Namibia
Hunting a Cape Buffalo in Namibia will certainly be a heart pounding hunting adventure. Buffalo hunting will take nerves of steel and will require precision shooting. Many hunters believe that A Buffalo hunt to be the most dangerous hunt of all the Big five.
Cape Buffalo, or Africa’s “Black Death” are well known for hunting people down and seeking revenge, not an animal to be messed with.
Buffalo in the Zambezi Region also have a smaller horn spread, up to on average forty inches also due to the calcium deficiency in the soil.
Namibia has Africa’s smallest number of Buffalo with populations estimated at just over 5000.
How much is the trophy fee when Buffalo hunting in Namibia?
The trophy fee for Buffalo hunted will cost the hunter between US $ 5000 and US$ 6500.
Lion Hunting in Namibia
Is Lion hunting legal in Namibia?
Yes, it is legal to hunt Lions in Namibia.
These dangerous animals have little fear of man, so tread lightly. The majority of free-range Lions left in Namibia are protected withing the boundaries of the national parks.
The best time for Lion hunting in Namibia is during the dryer months where visibility is improved. Lion hunting in Namibia normally done by used the baiting method, using Springbuck, zebra and proceeds from Hippo hunts to lure in the Trophy Lion.
Tracking a Lion through the bushveld is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes the hunter can ever partake in.
How much is the trophy fee when Lion Hunting in Namibia?
The trophy for a free-range Lion hunted in Namibia will cost the hunter between US $10000 and US $12000.
Leopard Hunting in Namibia
Free range Leopards are hunted using the baiting system. This cunning predator will put up a worthy challenge. Tracking and baiting these solitary cats only heightens the thrill of the hunting adventure.
A Leopard hunting safari in Namibia normally takes place over a period of twenty days. Success rates average about 90%. Namibia produces world class Leopard trophies, with some cats even reaching two hundred pounds.
How much is the trophy fee when Leopard hunting in Namibia?
The trophy fee for Leopard hunted in Namibia will cost the hunter between US $5000 and US $ 6500.
Rhino Hunting in Namibia
Rhinos have an impeccable sense of hearing and smell but lack good eyesight. The result being a charge towards anything that provokes suspicion.
Namibia boasts a good population of Black Rhino, but some of these hunts are auctioned to raise funds for conservation purposes. A Black Rhino hunt on auction can raise millions of United States Dollars. These Black Rhino’s all fall under the ownership of the Namibian Government.
Rhino hunts in Namibia always need to be done with a commitment to conservation and ethical hunting practices. Rhino hunting in African has traditionally been one of the milestones of a dangerous game hunters’ achievements.
Green Rhino hunts are also becoming quite popular where the hunters darts the Rhino, and the Rhino is not killed in the process. A rhino hunt in Namibia is indeed a great privilege.
How much is the trophy fee when hunting white Rhino in Namibia?
Green hunts (Dart Hunts) can cost on average US $7000 for a seven-day hunting safari (all in).
The trophy fee for a White Rhino hunt in Namibia will cost approximately US $ 42000
Namibia trophy hunting is all about, well, besides having a dream hunting safari, the size of the trophy. For ease of reference, we have collated a summary of the dangerous 7 in Africa trophy measurements, applying the Rowald Ward as well as Safari Club International Standards.
| Rowald Ward (30th edn) | SCI | |||||
| Min | Record | Method | Min | Standard | Bow | |
| Savannah Elephant | 120 (Pounds) | 440 (Pounds) | 17 | 90 | 14 | 60 |
| Hippo | 24 | 35. | 5 | 50 | 12 | 45 |
| White Rhino | 28 inch | 501/18 | 16 | 70 | 8 | 63 |
| Black Rhino | 22 | 53 4/8 | 16 | 56 | 8 | 50 |
| Cape Buffalo | 64 inch | 91 5/8 | 12-a | 70 | 4 | 63 |
| Nile Crocodile | 13.5 feet | 17ft 9 inches | 19 | 9’7″ | 16.c | 8’7″ |
| Lion | 24 inch | 28 12/16 | 18 | 24 | 15 | 24 |
| Leopard | 15 4/16 inch | 190 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 12 |
PC van Wyk